La Roquerie photographed by ยฉ Amandine Berthon
Bonne Annรฉe and welcome to the first edition of My French Country Home magazine in 2025!
Unlike many of their European neighbors, who traditionally exchange holiday greetings at Christmas time, the French typically wait until January to perform this annual ritual. Throughout the month, no casual encounter, conversation or email exchange feels quite complete without being prefaced with a warm โmeilleurs voeuxโ (best wishes) for the coming year.
Here at MFCH, we are eagerly looking forward to what the months ahead will bring in terms of new discoveries, inspirations and experiences and we canโt wait to share them with you.
Interior inspiration for the New Year
We dive headfirst into winter, exploring the comforts of a luxurious mountain chalet in the alpine resort town of Megรจve as well as a cozy country cottage for female travelers in the Dordogne. On the cover, we feature Aurรฉlie Debiรจve’s rustic and colorful home known to many on Instagram as La Roquerie. To brighten your own interiors, Sharon makes a case for the humble hellebore, which blooms in an extraordinary array of colors for composing exquisite bouquets.
Stunning gardens and winter blooms
We’re delighted to present the stunning grounds of the Chรขteau de Beauregard in the Loire Valley, filled with ideas for making your garden shine even in the chilliest months. Meanwhile, Joanna Maclennan shows us her breathtaking portfolio of photos from southern Provence, where the hillsides are bathed in the fragrant yellow petals of winter-blooming mimosa trees.
A highlight on the season’s main fruit
โTis also the season for agrumes, when the French indulge in their love for all things citrus. We introduce you to Menton on the Cรดte dโAzur near the Italian border, which is home to a renowned lemon festival โ and Franck Schmitt shares some zesty new recipes. We also share a few delicious recipes from the talented Cat Bude’s beautiful new cookbook French Kitchen Lessons.
& so much more…
Thereโs much more to explore in this January/February issue, which we hope youโll take the time to savor in a cozy place among dear family and friends.
Read on for a closer look at a few more of this issue’s inspiring features!
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Discovery Guide: Revered Rouen
From Viking invasions to plagues, epic wars of religion, revolution and conquest โ Rouen has seen it all. This remarkably resilient city, just two hours from Paris, is a living time capsule of some of the most consequential episodes of French history. It is also a mecca for lovers of art, architecture and fine cuisine.
Interior Design: Snow and Flow
Fringing the foothills of the French Alps, the picturesque village of Megรจve has long been a beloved destination for a London family passionate about skiing. In 2007, after 15 years of summer and winter visits to the resort, they made the decision to realize a longโheld dream of theirs and purchase their own chalet.
Artisans of France: Globe Trotter
An artist at heart and a geographer by trade, the travel-loving Alain Sauter discovered his true calling when he stumbled upon the long-lost craft of artisanal globe making โ a vocation that brought all his passions to life in a single, exquisite form.
Recipes: Citrus Passion
Winter is the peak season for agrumes (citrus), bringing a welcome taste of sunshine to delight our taste buds. Whether you prefer tangy lemons, juicy mandarins, sweet oranges or tart bergamot, our friend Franck Schmitt gives us a full menu of ideas to squeeze the most out of these delicious fruits.
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We hope this new issue brings fresh inspiration to your home in the new year!